Double Sided Closure Fastener

ABSTRACT

A double sided closure fastener has at least one closure on each of its end. The double sided closure fastener is configured to secure an object to a mounting surface, and to bundle multiple items. The double sided closure fastener uses at least one identical closure on each of its ends, rather than a closure on one end and an insertion tab on an opposite end. Because of the use of identical closures on the ends, the double sided closure fastener cannot form a loop onto itself for fastening the opposite ends together, and thus, depends on a secondary fastener to complete a fastened loop for fastening. Each closure is defined by an opening having an inner surface. A ratcheting mechanism rests in the opening to engage a gear rack from an insertion tab of a secondary fastener.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/943,138, filed on Feb. 21, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Typically, a zip tie, also known as a cable tie, hose tie, zap-strap, is a type of fastener, for holding items together in a bundle or hanging an object from a mounting surface. Because of their low cost and ease of use, tie-wraps are ubiquitous, finding use in a wide range of other applications.

The inventor was aware that the common zip tie, normally made of nylon, has a tape section with teeth that engage with a pawl in the head to form a ratchet so that as the free end of the tape section is pulled the tie-wrap tightens and does not come undone. Another version of the tie-wrap allows a tab to be depressed to either adjust the tension or remove the ty-wrap.

Through experimentation, the inventor learned that the most common zip tie consists of a sturdy nylon tape with an integrated gear rack, and on one end a ratchet within a small open case. The inventor recognized that once the pointed tip of the cable tie has been pulled through the case and past the ratchet, it is prevented from being pulled back; the resulting loop may only be pulled tighter. This allows multiple items to be bound together and removed separately, as needed.

The inventor also learned that a cable tie tensioning tool could be used to apply the zip tie with a specific degree of tension. The tool can cut off the extra tail flush with the head in order to avoid a sharp edge which might otherwise cause injury.

However, the inventor recognized that the fastening capacity, i.e., diameter of formed loop, length, angle of orientation for a typical zip tie was limited. For example, to create a larger loop required the inventor to stretch the zip tie. Or to change directions of the connection around bulky objects was problematic.

The inventor decided that, rather than to redesign the zip tie, he would construct a different type of attachment point. The inventor removed an insertion tab from one end and replaced it with a second closure, or attachment point to form a double sided closure fastener. The inventor realized that this meant the new double sided closure fastener could not form a loop on its ends and fasten. It still depended on the zip tie to fasten.

However, the inventor saw that only one closure was limiting. The inventor decided to add multiple closures, and at various angles and orientations along the length of the double sided closure fastener. The inventor finally developed a tensioning cutting member that smoothly cut either end of the double sided closure fastener or zip tie through tension.

Zip ties have been used for economically and efficiently mounting objects and bundling at least one item in the past, yet none with the present characteristics of the present invention. See patent numbers: U.S. 20130291343; U.S. Pat. No. 8,595,904; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,739,387.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a double sided closure fastener that has at least one closure on each of its ends, and works in conjunction with a traditional zip tie to increase the fastening capacity.

SUMMARY

The present invention describes a double sided closure fastener that has at least one closure on each of its end. The double sided closure fastener is configured to secure an object to a mounting surface, and to bundle multiple items. The double sided closure fastener uses at least one identical closure on each of its ends, rather than a closure on one end and an insertion tab on an opposite end.

Because of the use of identical closures on the ends, the double sided closure fastener cannot form a loop onto itself for fastening the opposite ends together, and thus, depends on a secondary fastener to complete a fastened loop. In any case, the closures on each end are configured to increase the fastening capacity of the double sided closure fastener, such as enabling various diameters, angles, and sizes. But to form a fastened loop, the double sided closure fastener depends on a secondary fastener.

Each closure is defined by an opening having an inner surface. A ratcheting mechanism rests in the opening to engage a gear rack from an insertion tab of a secondary fastener. In one embodiment, the first end and/or the second end may have multiple closures that extend from myriad angles and orientations. The closures may have variously sized and dimensioned openings.

One example of a secondary fastener that operates with the double sided closure fastener is a traditional nylon zip tie. The secondary fastener has an insertion tab on one of its ends that is configured to be inserted into itself, or in the present case, the closure ends of the double sided closure fastener. In this manner, myriad combinations of double sided closure fasteners and secondary fasteners can be combined to expand the diameters and lengths for fastening.

In some embodiments, the double sided closure fastener may be defined by an elongated strap. The strap includes a first end having at least one first closure, and a second end having at least one second closure. Each closure is defined by a first and second opening, respectively. The openings are generally where the insertion tab from the secondary fastener is inserted and locked into place. The opening has an inner surface with a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism is configured to engage an insertion tab from a secondary fastener. The closures may have different types of ratchet mechanisms, including a series of ridges that selectively engage with pawls or flexible grips form the insertion tab of the secondary fastener.

In one possible embodiment the secondary fastener works in conjunction with the double sided closure fastener. Though it is significant to note that the present invention covers, chiefly the double sided closure fastener. Nonetheless, the secondary fastener may include a generally elongated secondary strap. In some embodiments, a head end of the secondary strap includes an insertion tab that is configured to mate with the first and second closures of the double sided closure fastener. The insertion tab includes a gear rack that selectively passes through the ratchet mechanism of the closures. The gear rack comprises a plurality of flexible grips that are axially spaced on the secondary strap in a longitudinal direction thereof.

At least one holding space forms between any two adjacent ones of the axially-spaced flexible grips. The holding space has a longitudinal length defined by a distance between the two adjacent flexible grips. The ratchet mechanism includes ridges that lock into place within the holding space. The secondary strap also includes a tail end having a secondary closure that is substantially the same as the first and second closures.

In this manner, the ratchet mechanism of the closures locks the flexible grips from the insertion tab of the secondary fastener into place to form a secure connection between the double sided closure fastener and the secondary fastener.

In some embodiments, a cutting member may be used to cut either end of the double sided closure fastener to a desired length. The cutting member forms a smooth cut.

One objective of the present invention is to provide a double sided closure fastener that has at least one first closure on a first end and at least one second closure on a second end.

Another objective is to provide a double sided closure fastener that works in conjunction with at least one secondary fastener, such as a traditional zip tie, to expand the diameter and length of the fasteners.

Another objective is to provide a ratchet mechanism in the first and second closure that locks the insertion tab from the secondary fastener into a desired disposition.

Yet another objective is to provide fixed and nonadjustable closures, as well as detachable and size adjustable closures.

Yet another objective is to provide multiple closures at each end of the strap to create more fastening combinations and applications.

Yet another objective is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture fastening mechanism that is compatible with traditional zip ties.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and drawings where:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are top views of an exemplary double sided closure fastener, where FIG. 1A illustrates a first closure and a second closure linearly disposed, and FIG. 1B illustrates a first closure and a second closure oppositely disposed;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are side views of a closure having a ratcheting mechanism, where FIG. 2A illustrates the ratcheting mechanism oriented upwardly, FIG. 2B illustrates the ratcheting mechanism oriented downwardly, and FIG. 2C illustrates the ratcheting mechanism oriented at an angle;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are top views of multiple closures on a second end of an elongated strap, where FIG. 3A illustrates three closures projecting out at an angle, and FIG. 3B illustrates two closures along the same longitudinal axis of the strap;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are top views of multiple closures on a second end of an elongated strap, where FIG. 4A illustrates two closures oriented in the same direction along the longitudinal axis of the strap, and FIG. 4B illustrates two closures oriented at an angle from the second end of the strap;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a double sided closure fastener engaging an exemplary secondary fastener in a linear disposition;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a double sided closure fastener engaging an exemplary secondary fastener in a looped disposition; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method for fastening at least one item with a double sided closure fastener.

DESCRIPTION

One embodiment, referenced in FIGS. 1A-7, illustrates a double sided closure fastener 100 that utilizes at least one closure 108 a, 110 a on each of its ends 104, 106. The double sided closure fastener 100 is configured to secure an object to a mounting surface, and to bundle at least one item together in a bunched formation. The double sided closure fastener 100 uses at least one identical closure 108 a, 110 a on each of its ends 104, 106, rather than a closure 108 a on one end 104 and an insertion tab 206 on an opposite end 106.

In some embodiments, the double sided closure fastener 100 may have substantially the same configuration as bundling fasteners that include, without limitation, a zip tie, a cable tie, and a hose tie. However, the double sided closure fastener 100, described herein, is inapposite to the zip tie in that it utilizes closures 108 a, 110 a on each of its ends 104, 106, rather than a closure on one end 104 and an insertion tab 206 on an opposite end 106, as is the case with the traditional zip tie.

Suitable materials for the double sided closure fastener 100 may include, without limitation, nylon, pliable polymers, aluminum, metal alloys, rubber, and fibers. The double sided closure fastener 100 is generally used to bundle wires, hoses, and smaller items. Though in one alternative embodiment, a stainless steel version, of the double sided closure fastener 100, either naked or coated with a rugged plastic, can be used for exterior applications and hazardous environments.

As referenced in FIG. 1A, the double sided closure fastener 100 has a first end 104 with at least one first closure 108 a-c, and a second end 106 with at least one second closure 110 a-c. Both closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c are generally the same. Because of the use of generally identical closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c on the ends 104, 106, the double sided closure fastener 100 cannot form a loop onto itself for fastening the opposite ends 104, 106 together; and thus, depends on a secondary fastener 200 to complete a fastened loop. Consequently, the double sided closure fastener 100 serves as an ancillary fastener for the different types of secondary fastener 200 s.

In one embodiment, the first end 104 and/or the second end 106 may have multiple closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c that extend from myriad angles and orientations. The closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c may have variously sized and dimensioned openings 112, 114. The closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c may have a multitude of numbers, angles, lengths, widths, and diameters. And, as referenced in FIG. 1B, the closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c may be oriented in opposing directions along the length of the strap 102. Furthermore, the closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c may be detachable and adjustable, or fixed and nonadjustable. In any case, the closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c are configured to increase the fastening capacity of the double sided closure fastener 100, such as enabling various diameters, angles, and sizes. But to form a fastened loop, the double sided closure fastener 100 depends on a secondary fastener 200.

One example of a secondary fastener 200 that connects to the double sided closure fastener 100 is a traditional nylon zip tie. The secondary fastener 200 has a head end 204 and a tail end 208. The head end includes an insertion tab 206 that is configured to be inserted into itself, or in the present case, the closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c of the double sided closure fastener 100. In this manner, myriad combinations of double sided closure fasteners 100 and secondary fasteners 200 can be combined to expand the diameters and lengths for fastening.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the double sided closure fastener 100 may be defined by an elongated strap 102. The strap 102 includes a first end 104 having at least one first closure 108 a-c, and a second end 106 having at least one second closure 110 a-c. Each closure 108 a-c, 110 a-c is defined by a first opening 112 and a second opening 114, respectively. The openings 112, 114 is generally where the insertion tab 206 from the secondary fastener 200 is inserted and locked into place.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the first opening 112 has an inner surface with a first ratchet mechanism 116. The first ratchet mechanism 116 is configured to engage an insertion tab 206 from a secondary fastener 200. Similarly, the second opening 114 has an inner surface with a second ratchet mechanism 118. The second ratchet mechanism 118 is configured to engage the insertion tab 206 from the secondary fastener 200. The closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c may have different types of ratchet mechanisms 116, 118, including a series of ridges that selectively engage with pawls or flexible grips 212 from the insertion tab 206 of the secondary fastener 200.

The first ratcheting mechanism 116 may be adjustable, pliable, and oriented to engage various insertion tabs 206 from the secondary fastener 200. For example, FIG. 2A illustrates the second ratcheting mechanism 118 oriented upwardly, FIG. 2B illustrates the second ratcheting mechanism 118 oriented downwardly, and FIG. 2C illustrates the second ratcheting mechanism 118 oriented at an angle.

As described above, the first end 104 and/or the second end 106 of the strap 102 may have multiple first and/or second closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c that extend from myriad angles and orientations. For example, FIGS. 3A and 3B are top views of multiple second closures 110 a-c on a second end 106 of an elongated strap 102, where FIG. 3A illustrates three second closures 110 a-c projecting out at an angle, and FIG. 3B illustrates two first closures 108 a-b along the same longitudinal axis of the strap 102. In another example of the possible permutations for the closures 110 a-b, FIGS. 4A and 4B are top views of multiple closures on a second end 106 of an elongated strap 102, where FIG. 4A illustrates two second closures 110 a-b oriented in the same direction along the longitudinal axis of the strap 102, and FIG. 4B illustrates two second closures 110 a-b oriented at an angle from the second end 106 of the strap 102. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the eclectic orientations and numbers of closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c serves to increase the fastening capacity of the double sided closure fastener 100, beyond the traditional zip tie.

It is significant to note that the present invention covers, chiefly the double sided closure fastener 100. However, in one possible embodiment the secondary fastener 200 works in conjunction with the double sided closure fastener 100. The secondary fastener 200 may include a generally elongated secondary strap 200. In some embodiments, a head end 204 of the secondary strap 200 includes an insertion tab 206 that is configured to mate with the first and second closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c of the double sided closure fastener 100. The insertion tab 206 includes a gear rack that selectively passes through the ratchet mechanisms 116, 118 of the closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c. The gear rack comprises a plurality of flexible grips 212 that are axially spaced on the secondary strap 200 in a longitudinal direction thereof.

At least one holding space forms between any two adjacent ones of the axially-spaced flexible grips 212. The holding space has a longitudinal length defined by a distance between the two adjacent flexible grips 212. The ratchet mechanisms 116, 118 may include ridges that lock into place within the holding space. The secondary strap 200 also includes a tail end 208 having a secondary closure 210 that is generally the same as the first and second closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c.

Turning now to FIG. 5, the double sided closure fastener 100 may engage the secondary fastener 200 in a linear disposition. In this configuration, the head end 204 of the secondary strap 200 passes through the first closure 108 a, such that the gear rack and plurality of flexible grips 212 passes through the first ratcheting mechanism 116. Once the first connection is made, the secondary fastener 200 may loop around to connect to the second closure 110 a of the double sided closure fastener 100, as shown in FIG. 6. In both cases, the insertion tab 206 slides through the respective closure 108 a, 110 a until the desired length or diameter is achieved. In this manner, the ratchet mechanism 116, 118 of the closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c locks the flexible grips 212 from the insertion tab 206 of the secondary fastener 200 into place to form a secure connection between the double sided closure fastener 100 and the secondary fastener 200.

In another embodiment, multiple double sided closure fasteners 100 and secondary fasteners 200 may be connected in series to form a substantially larger fastening mechanism. In this case, the double sided closure fastener 100 serve as an ancillary fastener to increase the dimensions and fastening capacity.

In some embodiments, a cutting member (not shown) may be used to cut either end 104, 106 of the double sided closure fastener 100 to a desired length. The cutting member may be used to apply the double sided closure fastener 100 with a specific degree of tension. For example, the cutting member may cut off an extra insertion tab 206 flush with the first closure 108 a-c in order to avoid a sharp edge which might otherwise cause injury. The cutting member forms a smooth cut.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method 300 for fastening at least one item with a double sided closure fastener. The method 300 utilizes a double sided closure fastener 100 that has at least one closure 108 a-c, 110 a-c on each of its end 104, 106. The double sided closure fastener 100 is configured to secure an object to a mounting surface, and to bundle multiple items, per the method 300. The double sided closure fastener 100 uses at least one identical closure 108 a-c, 110 a-c on each of its ends 104, 106, rather than a closure 108 a on one end 104 and an insertion tab 206 on an opposite end 106. Because of the use of identical closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c on the ends 104, 106, the double sided closure fastener 100 cannot form a loop onto itself for fastening the opposite ends 104, 106 together, and thus, depends on a secondary fastener 200 to complete a fastened loop for fastening.

In some embodiments, the method 300 may include an initial Step 302 of providing a double sided closure fastener 100, the double sided closure fastener 100 defined by an elongated strap 102 having at least one first closure 108 a-c and at least one second closure 110 a-c on opposite ends. The strap 102 includes a first end 104 having at least one first closure 108 a-c, and a second end 106 having at least one second closure 110 a-c. Each closure 108 a-c, 110 a-c is defined by a first opening 112 and a second opening 114, respectively. The openings 112, 114 are generally where the insertion tab 206 from the secondary fastener 200 is inserted and locked into place.

The method 300 may further comprise a Step 304 of forming at least a partial loop around at least one item with the elongated strap 102. The openings 112, 114 are generally where the insertion tab 206 from the secondary fastener 200 is inserted and locked into place.

A Step 306 includes receiving an insertion tab 206 from a secondary fastener 200 into the at least one first closure 108 a-c and/or the at least one second closure 110 a-c. The secondary fastener 200 may include a generally elongated secondary strap 200. A head end 204 of the secondary strap 200 includes an insertion tab 206 that is configured to mate with the first and second closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c of the double sided closure fastener 100.

In some embodiments, a Step 308 comprises engaging a ratcheting mechanism in the first and/or second closure 110 a-cs with a gear rack on the insertion tab 206. The insertion tab 206 includes a gear rack that selectively passes through the ratchet mechanisms 116, 118 of the closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c. The gear rack comprises a plurality of flexible grips 212 that are axially spaced on the secondary strap 200 in a longitudinal direction thereof. At least one holding space forms between any two adjacent ones of the axially-spaced flexible grips 212. The holding space has a longitudinal length defined by a distance between the two adjacent flexible grips 212. The ratchet mechanisms 116, 118 may include ridges that lock into place within the holding space.

A Step 310 includes fastening a complete loop around the at least one item. The connected double sided closure fastener 100 and secondary fastener 200 form a larger loop for fastening. Because of the use of identical closures 108 a-c, 110 a-c on the ends 104, 106, the double sided closure fastener 100 cannot form a loop onto itself for fastening the opposite ends 104, 106 together, and thus, depends on a secondary fastener 200 to complete a fastened loop for fastening.

A final step 312 comprises cutting off a section of a first end 104 or a second end 106 of the elongated strap 102. In one possible embodiment, a cutting member may be used to cut either end 104, 106 of the double sided closure fastener 100 to a desired length. The cutting member forms a smooth cut and may use tension, sharp edges, or heat opt perform the cut.

While the inventor's above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of several preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the double sided closure fastener 100 may be telescopically extendable or stretchable to further increase the fastening capacity. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A double sided closure fastener for fastening at least one item, the fastener comprises: an elongated strap, the elongated strap defined by a first end and a second end, the first end having at least one first closure, the at least one first closure having a first ratcheting mechanism, the second end having at least one second closure, the at least one second closure having with a second ratcheting mechanism, wherein the elongated strap is configured to enable formation of a loop for fastening, wherein the at least one first closure and the at least one second closure are configured to enable a connection with a secondary fastener.
 2. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the fastener is substantially a zip tie fastener.
 3. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the fastener is made of nylon.
 4. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the at least one first closure has a first opening.
 5. The fastener of claim 4, wherein the first opening has a generally square cross sectional shape.
 6. The fastener of claim 5, wherein the first opening has a first inner surface.
 7. The fastener of claim 6, wherein the first ratcheting mechanism is defined by a plurality of first ridges.
 8. The fastener of claim 7, wherein the first ratcheting mechanism is disposed on the first inner surface.
 9. The fastener of claim 8, wherein the at least one second closure has a second opening.
 10. The fastener of claim 9, wherein the second opening has a generally square cross sectional shape.
 11. The fastener of claim 10, wherein the second opening has a second inner surface.
 12. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the second ratcheting mechanism is defined by a plurality of second ridges.
 13. The fastener of claim 12, wherein the second ratcheting mechanism is disposed on the second inner surface.
 14. The fastener of claim 13, wherein the secondary fastener is defined by a head end having an insertion tab.
 15. The fastener of claim 14, wherein the first and second closures mate with the insertion tab of the secondary fastener.
 16. The fastener of claim 15, wherein the insertion tab is defined by a gear rack, the gear rack having a plurality of flexible grips with spaced-apart holding spaces.
 17. The fastener of claim 16, wherein the plurality of first and second ridges position with the spaced-apart holding spaces.
 18. The fastener of claim 17, wherein secondary fastener is defined by a tail end having a secondary closure.
 19. A double sided closure fastener for fastening at least one item, the fastener comprises: an elongated strap, the elongated strap defined by a first end and a second end, the first end having at least one first closure, at least one first closure having a first opening, the first opening having a first inner surface, the first inner surface having a first ratcheting mechanism, the second end having at least one second closure, at least one second closure having a second opening, the second opening having a second inner surface, the second inner surface having a second ratcheting mechanism, wherein the elongated strap is configured to enable formation of a loop for fastening, wherein the at least one first closure and the at least one second closure are configured to enable a connection with a secondary fastener, the secondary fastener comprising a zip tie.
 20. A method for fastening at least one item with a double sided closure fastener, the method comprising: providing a double sided closure fastener, the double sided closure fastener defined by an elongated strap having at least one first closure and at least one second closure on opposite ends; forming at least a partial loop around at least one item with the elongated strap; receiving an insertion tab from a secondary fastener into the at least one first closure and/or the at least one second closure; engaging a ratcheting mechanism in the first and/or second closures with a gear rack on the insertion tab; fastening a complete loop around the at least one item; and cutting off a section of a first end or a second end of the elongated strap. 